Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Cajun chicken sloppy joes became a weeknight favorite for me after a spontaneous fridge raid when I was craving something saucy spicy and satisfying. I had ground chicken left over from tacos and instead of going the usual route I threw in some bold Cajun seasoning tomato paste and a touch of honey to balance it out—and just like that a new comfort food was born.

What I love about these sloppy joes is that they’re messy in the best way and packed with flavor that wakes up your taste buds. The heat from the Cajun spice the tangy tomato base and the slight sweetness come together in a sandwich that’s just as good for casual family dinners as it is for a laid-back holiday get-together.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground chicken – Light juicy and the perfect base for soaking up bold flavors.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and body to the filling.
• Garlic – Infuses savory depth into the mix.
• Tomato paste – Creates a thick rich sauce that clings to the meat.
• Cajun seasoning – Brings smoky heat and signature Southern spice.
• Paprika – Adds warmth and enhances color.
• Honey – Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce – Gives depth and umami to the sauce.
• Chicken broth – Loosens the mixture to the perfect sloppy consistency.
• Olive oil – Used for sautéing the onion and chicken.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
• Burger buns – Soft and sturdy enough to handle all that saucy filling.
• Fresh parsley – Optional but great for a pop of color and freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet – Ideal for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce evenly.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – To break up the chicken and stir the mixture as it cooks.
• Cutting board and knife – For prepping onion and garlic quickly.
• Measuring spoons – To portion out the spices and seasoning accurately.
• Toaster or oven – To lightly toast the buns if you like them crisp.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat then I sauté the chopped onion until it softens and turns golden which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Then I add the garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2:

I stir in the ground chicken and break it up with a spatula as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. I season it with salt pepper Cajun seasoning and a little extra paprika to deepen the flavor.

Step 3:

Once the chicken is browned I add tomato paste Worcestershire sauce honey and a splash of chicken broth. I stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors come together.

Step 4:

While the filling is simmering I toast the buns lightly in a pan or under the broiler—it adds that little bit of structure to handle all the sauciness.

Step 5:

I spoon the hot Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom buns and top them with a little chopped parsley for freshness then I cap them with the toasted tops and serve immediately.

Tips

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or using a mild version.

Add diced bell pepper or celery to the mix for extra texture and flavor.

For a smoky twist I sometimes add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Leftovers reheat well and can even be used as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

Ways to Serve

I like to serve these sloppy joes with sweet potato fries or a cool creamy slaw on the side.

For a party version you can use slider buns and make mini Cajun sloppy joes.

They’re also great over rice or tucked into lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes just make the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

Is Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes very spicy?

It depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can make it milder by cutting the amount or using a low-sodium blend.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and still soaks up all those Cajun flavors.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

Toasting them lightly or even spreading a little mayo or butter inside can create a moisture barrier.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these Cajun chicken sloppy joes a try because they’re easy satisfying and packed with bold flavor. Let me know if you like them spicy or mild and don’t forget to save this recipe for those nights when only a messy delicious sandwich will do.

Happy Cooking!

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